• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Uncategorized

Soy and Declining Sperm Counts

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist
July 18, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

We have heard that soy can have an effect on female fertility, but can soy affect male fertility also? Researchers at the Harvard School for Public Health in Boston say so.

In a study released by the School, it was reported that those who eat just a half a serving of soy per day may have a 40% decrease in sperm production. That can have a devastating effect on men who already suffer with lower-than-normal sperm production.

So, what is the problem with soy – something that is generally touted as being very healthy for you? It contains isoflavones, which contain phytoestrogens, or estrogen-like substances that can confuse the body and make it think there is too much estrogen in the system. This is what causes a decrease in sperm production, even affecting sperm quality. Basically, the report explains, soy causes interference with hormone signals and this can decrease both male and female fertility.

For instance, the six-year Harvard study indicated that men who ate just a half serving of soy only released 65 million sperm in their semen, compared to non-soy-eating participants who averaged 120 million sperm per sample. T That is a dramatic decrease that cannot be overlooked, say the experts. Still others disagree, saying that even 65 million sperm are enough to impregnate a partner. That is true, but, say critics, what about men who already have a decreased sperm production level? Cutting their sperm production by another 40-50% could make them totally infertile.

Some researchers have gone so far as to say that soy is “feminizing” today’s male, although many disagree, stating that an increase in this estrogen-mimicking chemical may affect sperm counts, but nothing else in regards to their “maleness.”

Women too can be affected by soy products, since it can boost their estrogen levels even higher, playing havoc with other fertility hormones in the body. Ovulation and conception require a balance of hormones in the body at certain times of the month, and having too much estrogen can throw off the entire process.

Now, if you are not a vegetarian nor do not often eat soy products, you may think that you are safe from this fertility-killer. Not necessarily. Soy is hidden in a lot of our foods without us ever realizing it. For instance, most power drinks, protein powders, breads, power bars, nutritional bars and other foodstuffs contain high levels of soy. Drinking just a few ounces of one of these soy-based drinks every day could have a detrimental effect on both you and your partner’s overall ability to conceive a child and should be considered.

Another thing to consider is that most soy grown in the USA is genetically modified; GMO foods have also been shown to have negative effects on fertility.

For those who have been trying to get pregnant to no avail, a good look at both of your soy levels could be the answer. The good news is that soy does not seem to cause any lasting fertility damage. Luckily, by taking the soy out of your diet, you can boost sperm levels within a few months, making a pregnancy more likely.

References

  • Chavarro, J., Toth, T., Sadio, S., and Hauser, R. (Nov. 2008). Soy food and isoflavone intake in relation to semen quality parameters among men from an infertility clinic. Hum. Reprod. DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den243 Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2721724/

« Previous Post
Bringing Back Sensuality and Passion to Your Conception Efforts
Next Post »
Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen & Bee Propolis for Fertility

About the Author

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist

Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist and Nutritionist

Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to empowering women with to take control of their health with natural therapies.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us